Hunting Urvis (Part 1)
Log Info
- Title: Hunting Urvis (Part 1)
- GM: Telamon
- Place: Shining Chalice, Alexandria / Greater Alexandros, near the Desolation
Shining Chalice Chapterhouse, midday
The day is cloudy and overcast over Alexandria, the skies like a blanket over the bustling city. People are still out and about, and a breeze keeps the air from being too stifling.
Of course, there's business to be done -- both mundane and adventurous. And so a request for aid has been sent to some very specific people, as well as a general call posted at the Guild. Each given a simple folded letter, elegantly written, asking for them to come to the meetinghouse of the Shining Chalice for a discussion into recent events.
The letter is signed with a flourish, a name that is probably well-known throughout the city: Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon.
Outside, the meetinghouse is a sturdy townhouse, with mage-lamps by the doors and a sign depicting a silver chalice hanging over it. To those who can perceive magical auras, however, there are signs of spells twined around the doors and windows, and faint emanations leaking out. Truly, a den of sorcerers.
Karasu, accompanied by Wuya - a raven perched on his shoulder - seems to be not particularly impressed by his surroundings. Cautious yes, but not impressed. He comes a few steps behind another man, walking in the shadow of that other so that it's easy to notice one of them but not the other. Specifically he is eclipsed by his companion which is as intended and as preferred. Karasu settles his eyes upon the man whom he is familiar with, and smiles to himself a little when the raven on his shoulder makes a round whirring noise.
Sometimes, you end up in a den of sorcerers not because you have a lick of magic in your entire body, but because you know those who do, far too well. That is likely why she got the invitation from a certain man who refuses to be called Archmage unless he wants to claim it, himself, for effect. Even so, Rune does stand out a bit like a sore thumb as she steps out from the shadows nearby. Those keen of sight might just spot a hint of those shadows clinging to her before they fade like smoke.
"Well, I don't think I'd have gotten an invitation if there wasn't someone, or something that needed a good stabbing." She rolls her shoulders and gives a nod of greeting. "I just hope there isn't too much in the way of magical shenanigans. Or, at least that they're the kind that can be solved with application of a blade, when needed." The half-sil has a particular set of skills...
In stark contrast to Karasu, Corey--the other man walking by his slightly taller au pair--has silver eyes that are bright with curiosity as he stands outside the Chalice meetinghouse, letter in hand. Despite his very sildanyari appearance (if rather monochromatic for a dawn elf), Corey seems to have all the youthful enthusiasm of someone enthralled by the new and wondrous. "I wonder what their magical traditions are like," he says softly to Karasu. "I'm familiar with the Llyranesi styles of spellcasting, of course, thanks to my sisters and mother, but surely there are different approaches here in Alexandria. Oh, what if there's flourishes from Rune but aspects from..."
He looks at Rune and seems to remember that he's supposed to be on an assignment. This is no time for expounding on intellectual curiosity, and he flushes. "Hello again, Rune," he says. "Please don't worry. I'll do my very best to make sure that everyone gets back from our matter at hand safe and sound. But... Before we even begin to worry about that, let's go speak to the Archmage." He's full of enthusiasm. "Do you know him? He helped me out a lot the other day."
Some are skilled with mana. Some are skilled to deter or counter those skilled with mana. The rather conspicuous construct that tromps to the designated collection and information dissemination point may be both. Discretion and/or unobtrusiveness do not appear its fore, if its approach and announcement are any indication. "Unit reporting as directed."
You are ushered inside by the steward who answers the door, and he leads down the halls. The townhouse is well-furnished and pleasantly cool, though there are signs of more arcane use here and there -- mage-lamps lighting the halls, paintings that are animated, and two servants joking about how they had to coax a familiar out of the pantry again.
Soon enough, you are escorted into a parlor, where a trio of men rise to greet you. One is of course Telamon himself, who smiles broadly. Dressed in a ruffled white silk shirt over black trousers, his starry eyes betray that he's more than just a noble dilettante.
The second man wears the livery of a Guild representative, though he also bears a pin indicating membership in the Arcanist's Society. The third is an older man with curly brown hair and an easy smile, dressed in nobleman's attire much like Telamon.
"I'm pleased to see you all here," Telamon addresses the group. "I am called Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon, if you need introductions. This is Arbitrator Bennet, here on behalf of the Guild and the Arcanist's Society." Tel gestures to the second man, then introduces the third. "And this is Lord Mikhail Hazelyard. He asked nicely to sit in on this discussion, as he has something of a personal interest in it."
Karasu offers a polite nod once they enter the room and the men are introduced to them. He has nothing to offer in the way of conversation yet though. He trusts - to an extent - that Telamon will inform them of what information that they require when they require it. The man seems unlikely to withhold information while also asking for assistance, but he would not be the first to do so. Sometimes the information was withheld because it was embarrassing, and others because it was unknown.
Either way, Karasu simply observes the men at length, trying to get a measure of them against when they might actually be lying in some way.
GAME: Karasu rolls Sense Motive: (4)+17: 21
The curiousity from the full-blooded Sildanyari is met with a quirk of the eyebrow and some amusement from Rune as he seems to stop mid-thought. "You're fine. I was fascinated the first time I was here, myself." She motions with one hand, "Got tasked with delivering a message, and ended up with a pretty close friend. The Lupecyll-Atlons are good people."
Then, it is her turn for curiousity, looking over at the automaton with her head tilted. There is little time to inquire on that, as they are lead inside and she quiets, following in the wake of the others. When the three men rise, there is a glance at Telamon first, before taking in the other two. She offers the lift of a hand to Telamon, in the casual way you might greet a friend.
As for the others, she straightens slightly, giving a sideways glance towards Corey before turning her eyes back to the two men, "Seems like something important, otherwise you wouldn't have sent for us. How can my blades be of service?"
"Perhaps in time, I will be so fortune as to call the Archmage a friend as well," Cor'ethil had said in passing to Rune with a smile as the group enters the Shining Chalice.
Once in the room and introduced, Corey seems to realize that Karasu is possibly trying to discern something about the assembled men, and he reaches out to pat the other man's arm. "They're clear," he says softly, before he looks at the three men and smiles, especially at Telamon.
"Greetings, Archmage, as well as the Lord Hazelyard and the Arbitrator Bennet." Corey puts his hand to his armored chest in a polite greeting. "I am called Cor'ethil Cari'thana, Warden of Gilead. I am acquainted with the Archmage. I know a bit already about the matter at hand from speaking with him, but for the complete edification of all, I am delighted to speak further on this matter." He's exceedingly polite, in addition to being amply chatty, it would seem.
MAC-B1G's faceplate pans from the speaker to the units designated as they are noted. It then continues its slow rotation to note the other audience (and presumed task force) members, before completing a full rotation to rest upon unit designate Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon once more.
"Indeed. I won't waste your time with small talk -- though if anyone desires refreshments, please say so." Telamon does have a kettle of tea perched at the corner of his desk, along with a tray of cups. He tilts his head to Bennet. "Why don't you start, Arbitrator? Get the legalities out of the way."
Bennet nods briskly. "The jailbreak from the Arcanist's Society dungeons has engendered a certain amount of chaos among the magical community here in Alexandria. There were men and women confined there who were, to be frank, dangers to everyone around them. Purveyors of crimes and atrocities." Bennet's expression is sour. "I am not at liberty to divulge the specifics of how this occurred. However, the Society, along with the Guild, has requested the Archmage's assistance in tracking some of the worst offenders."
Telamon picks up the thread. "We're not sending people out against some two-bit conjurer of cheap tricks. These are magicians who are cruel, petty, vindictive, and frankly if they fell on Leirune's shortswords a few too many times nobody would cry too much. But we would prefer they be brought back alive."
He lets that sink in, before continuing. "Your prey is a khazadi wizard by the name of Urvis Ironshanks. Despite being a wizard, he has an extensive understanding of artifice and golemcrafting. His last crime involved kidnapping wargolems and removing parts from them for use in restoring constructs that he had unearthed."
The last bit of information more than anything else has Karasu blinking once long and slow. Taking apart people for bits and pieces was one thing, but wargolems? That was unique. Karasu glances briefly toward Cor'ethil, but says nothing. Instead the raven on his shoulder chirps once and Karasu lets out a breath as slow and easy as his blink had been. This seems then a bit of prompting because Karasu finally opens his mouth and speaks. "What manner of magics might we expect from him?"
This at least is information which could very much come in handy to know.
There are times in which Rune, despite her best attempts at being a good person, has to wonder why certain individuals known to be horrific threats to society and community are allowed to simply languish, waiting on their chances to be free to create havoc and destruction. She lets out a chuff of a breath that is likely more a side-effect of her Makari connections than either of her parent races.
The rogue bites at her lower lip, thoughtfully, then opens her mouth to say something, only for Karasu to beat her to the punch. Rather than repeat it, she just motions a hand in his direction, nodding her agreement. Intel is important.
However, the moment that it is mentioned that their prey is involved in artifice and golem-crafting, Rune's eyes pan over towards the automaton in the room. "It... may not be my place to second-guess anyone assigned to this fight, but..." She looks the Golem up and down. "You going to be alright with this?"
MAC-B1G was not exactly vocal, prior, and in quiet attentiveness. It's optics zoom in marignally upon Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon. "Query: Is the recycling of components disallowed under the terms and conditions governing the local habitation zone?"
Corey's pleasant face becomes that of disgust at the words of revelation from the Archmage regarding what their quarry has done. The disgust turns into a frown as he looks at the war golem companion of theirs. "I'll not let anything of the sort happen to you, should you come along with us," he promises.
Although the war golem's words draw the paladin of Gilead to a pause. "Err... Well, we'd see components as being a bit like organs or limbs," he explains. "It's highly illegal and unethical to steal the things that someone needs to live out of their body. Your kind are just as much autonomous and sentient as many other beings are, so it is a crime in my eyes."
"It is when the donors are still alive and not willing." This comes from Lord Hazelyard, whose expression mirrors Corey's. He takes a deep breath, before continuing, "I could sympathize with scavenging from those who have departed the mortal world, but Urvis seems to not recognize wargolems as people. He kidnapped several of them for his last endeavor, including my majordomo, Jaguar."
Telamon picks up the tale again. "Urvis has very little regard for wargolems, treating them as mere objects to be experimented on -- or salvaged for useful parts. Regardless of how they might object." His lips curl in a hard smile. "And that is where you come in. I have been seeking Urvis's footprints in the Dreamlands. We know he escaped the city like a number of the smarter inmates. But I think he's gone to ground in an abandoned watch post near the border of the Desolation."
Telamon taps his fingertips together. "I'm a bit puzzled as to why he went there, but I won't complain when someone like Urvis makes a mistake. But be wary. He's a venal, amoral bastard, but he's not stupid."
GAME: Karasu rolls Knowledge/Military Theory: (13)+11: 24 GAME: Corey rolls Knowledge/Military Theory: (5)+21: 26 GAME: MAC-B1G rolls knowledge/local: (14)+3: 17
MAC-B1G's faceplate rotates to Rune as it parses the query. In the interim, further context of Ulvis' activities is made. "This unit will achieve directives as outlined. This unit will not permit forced disassembly of this unit by target." It provides a suitable answer to its understanding of the inquiry.
Karasu looks at Cor'ethil for a moment, as if holding a silent conversation with the man. His fingers flicker, asking a question and then he nods as if to himself before returning his attention to the others. "Perhaps he merely did not expect your abilities Archmage. Why should he after all? Not many can glean information from the realm of dreams like plucking apples from a tree. Such locations are known for their anonymity. He likely expected that he could remain unnoticed there for some time and now he has been located."
Karasu looks at the man whose manservant has been abducted. "Though if he abducted such a high-profile target it seems that he may be planning something more. With a fortification and supplies he has an advantage unless we can play on the element of surprise." Here his eyes flicker to Cor'ethil; whom is not known for such things.
The prospect of someone treating War Golems as if they were not living things, has Rune tightening her hands into fists. "Fuck this guy..." And then, she seems to realize that such comments may not be appropriate given the circumstances. Despite being raised to understand diplomacy, she's regressed quite a ways in recent months. "Sorry."
Her lips press together, "If he's as intelligent as you say, then there's probably a reason he chose that location. Either it's defensible, or he has supplies there, or there's something there that he needs or wants..." She takes in Karasu's appraisal, adjusting her stance slightly.
"I think our best chance of surprise is to utilize some of our dear Archmage's magic if he can get us closer than a journey on foot." She asks, head quirked at Telamon. "I'm pretty good at going unnoticed, but... that usually isn't as effective in a larger group." She flicks her fingers, drawing some shadows from her side, but then lets them dissipate.
Lord Hazelyard's lips quirk up. "No, I totally agree with the sentiment, Miss Leirune. For the record, we were able to recover Jaguar as well as several other crippled wargolems. They were repaired and have recovered from their ordeal."
"Karasu makes a good point," Telamon remarks. "Urvis is not lacking for chutzpah. Whatever he is up to, it won't be small scale. He's like..." Telamon pauses, trying to figure out the best way to put it.
Bennet chimes in, "Like a diva in the Theater District? He does have that tendency for drama and display."
"Exactly. He's not content with doing stupid, arrogant things. He wants people to know about it. Which means we really -should- get someone out there to take him into custody before he does something stupid again." Telamon hmms at Rune. "That is an excellent point, though. I don't think we should give him all that extra travel time to prepare a surprise -- or escape."
"I am ready to travel now." Karasu says simply. He almost always is, and if it takes him out of Alexandria for a bit... Well that's to his advantage as well. Perhaps they can take their time in returning. Cor'ethil might appreciate that. Paladin of the Wilds as he is. Karasu's lips offer a small smile. "Unless there is some other information which we may need to know and you are aware of."
"I'm glad." Rune replies, though her voice is softer than before. The thought of some of the War Golems she calls friends, being ripped appart, it is enough to have her shake her head. Her hands slowly settle back at her sides.
"So... how set are you on the idea of taking him into custody?" Rune asks, brows lifted. "I have some alternate weapons, but... that makes things significantly harder."
As Corey explains that Karasu has a similar fighting style, there is a small quirk of her lips to him. "Always good to have someone else who can poke them where it hurts." She looks onward to the Golem, "Anything we should know about how you fight?" It's worth asking before they head out.
"All systems operational," the construct conveys its state of readiness. On the matter of possible infiltration or unobtrusive ingress, it clarifies, "This unit not designed for subterfuge." This is expounded with Corey's inquiry. "Model: Multi-purpose assault construct. Primary functions: anti-armor, anti-mana. Secondary function: anti-personnel."
Telamon nods. "Yes, I think I can at least get you there. But I can't remain. Urvis will most -certainly- be looking for spellcasters intent on dragging him back, and if he detects me there, he'll flee -- and wizards can flee very fast when their freedom, or their necks, are at risks." He ponders. "You'll need to be picked up, so you don't have to trundle back with him in tow. I'll make some arrangements for that."
Bennet and Lord Hazelyard nod in approval. "The faster we can get him back in custody, the better," Bennet says. "We don't need him doing... well, whatever it is he's doing. I seriously doubt he's learned his lesson and mended his ways."
Alexandros, near the Desolation
While this area doesn't have the sad, blasted appearance of the Desolation proper, the forests of Alexandros stand less tall here. Scrub bushes and thickets are more common, and the sky above is scudding clouds.
The hilly country here does grant cover to those seeking to approach a point quietly, too. The point in question being a largish hill with what looks like an abandoned mine shaft built into it. Nothing really important here, nothing to see. Indeed, it's fairly quiet out here...
GAME: Karasu rolls Perception: (6)+17: 23 GAME: MAC-B1G rolls perception: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Rune rolls perception: (2)+32: 34 GAME: Corey rolls Perception: (13)+15: 28
The silence is oppressive and... wrong. There's a saying about quiet that is this silent. Karasu lifts a hand to forestall anyone from moving along further. He makes a motion with his hand that informs those that can understand such that the silence is unnatural. Insects at least should be here. Magic.
A faint illumination turns his black eyes gray, and he scouts the area for some sign of magic and... He frowns a touch. His fingers moving again to inform his companions of the situation. 'Lots of magic. Caution. Mine in particular.' He dislikes how skilled the mage seems to be. Someone who might give them quite a lot of trouble indeed. He holds his hand up to keep everyone near him. He needs longer to make sense of what the magic might be.
The paladin of Gilead narrows his silver eyes as he surveys the environs. Like Karasu, he signs his observations, hoping that all assembled here can understand handspeech. "Far too quiet. It feels like Gilead's flock has abandoned this place. There's a feeling of... dread coming from the mine, that feels like low-level evil. It must be related to the magic that Karasu is picking up."
He looks at Karasu and Rune, before gesturing, "Please allow me to lead. I may not be stealthy nor quiet, but if anyone is going to get hurt, I would prefer to be the one." He murmurs a prayer in the meantime, remaining in place as per Karasu's command.
GAME: Corey casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 13 DC: 17
Upon their arrival, Rune's ears twitch to the lack of sound around them. It's unsettling enough that it has her blue eyes scanning. However, Karasu's warning hand has her quiet, waiting as those who are more magically inclined attempt to discern the source. Something has clearly disrupted the animals and birds in the area.
She locks on to his fingers, reading the meaning in the gestures, then onward to thoes from the man's elven partner. Rune nods her head. "If it is traps of a magical nature, I may be able to assist in disarming them, but you may need to point me in the right direction." She offers, fingers moving in handspeech to respond.
"I will not argue with a armored man with holy magics taking the lead. It is pretty much the way my life goes." She smirks for a split second, but then schools her expression back to a more serious one. <handspeech>
As its optics crest the low rise and the mine comes into view, MAC-B1G makes a cursory sensor sweep. "Probable point of entry located. Threats detected: zero. Reconaissance initiated." Its strides do not slow, and may even increase in frequency as it continues forward with a minor course correction to vector towards the abandoned mine.
As the party advances (well, as Mac advances), there's something rather... odd about the abandoned mine. Sure, it looks like it's been left alone about a hundred years, but... the dirt in front of it looks disturbed, rather than untouched.
GAME: Karasu rolls Spellcraft: (2)+22: 24 GAME: Corey rolls Survival: (12)+0: 12 GAME: Karasu rolls Spellcraft: (4)+22: 26 GAME: Rune rolls survival: (9)+16: 25 GAME: Karasu casts Status. Caster Level: 5 DC: 19 GAME: MAC-B1G rolls survival: (3)+1: 4
Karasu shakes his head at the golem as it charges forward, but he has his own focus. Which is the entrance. Realizing that Mac can not understand the hand-signs he changes to a low volume voice. Whispers carry. "Alarm and Arcane Lock on the door." Not a great sign for them entering quietly. He will have to get much closer to hope to disable one and the other... he can not. He looks at Rune then, nodding at her that he has to do so to get a look at the lock.
MAC-B1G's steps slow to a halt with Corey's directive. "Acknowledged." It studies the entrance and the ground around it, though any distinct significance is lost upon it. "Disturbance suggests recent traffic." Faceplate traverses to regard Corey, then, and the curled, constant facial distortion is noted. Studied. "This unit's data on biological humanoids is incomplete, but suggests that your expression may be sumptomatic of a chemical imbalance or lack of vital atmospheric gasses to critical compon-"
Its focus is diverted to Karasu at the detailing of mana effects on the entrance. "Indicate precise location. This unit will neutralize."
With the automaton moving forward, Rune makes a low sound but she is too far to cover the distance. Thankfully, the others are closer. Careful, she moves forward, closer to the others as she looks around, trying to get a better feel for what might be happening around them.
She crouches, then, looking at the ground around the 'abandoned' mine. There is a pause, and a look as she raises her head. She holds up the universal sign for 'two' with her fingers, "Khazadi and... something else. Possibly a Golem." She explains in a quiet voice.
Then, with Karasu pointing out that someone has not only magically locked but trapped the place, "Lovely. Just the sort of magical shenanigans I would expect." She reaches for her tools. "Show me?" Once the location of the magical markings are identified, she follows the line of one of the arcane marks with a dagger, before stabbing it neatly and bisecting it completely. There is a small crackle, a pop, and then the alarm magic dies completely.
"This is probably why Tel asked me along." She explains, "A childhood of crime has some useful applications." The correct application of a couple of picks and a twist of one of her enchanted blades to roll the lock has it clicking open. Once done, she gathers her tools, steps back, and looks to Corey, "Be careful, if there's one trap, there might be more." He did want to go first, after all...
"I appreciate it," Corey says gently, taking his rapier from his belt at last and murmuring a prayer he did not have the opportunity to do beforehand:
"Exceedingly sharp, bane to dark:
I call on Cen to bring the spark." <Celestial>
His sword glows for a moment, and Cor'ethil proceeds into the cavern. "Behind me!" he urges quietly to his group. The paladin is eager to do the work he is called to do.
The door, now bereft of alarms and locks, opens easily. Beyond is... not an abandoned, ruined mineshaft, but a hall leading further into the hill. Lined with stone and lit by a few still-burning mage lights, it's clearly not what it seems to be.
This is only reinforced by odd, greenish-glowing runes inscribed into a couple of the walls. The glow is fitful, pulsing at odd intervals, as if not fully functioning -- but -someone- has been at work here, doing something. There's no dirt beyond the threshold, the floor swept clean as if by broom or magic. A cool breeze flows down, and it would be reassuring... if you weren't looking for a felonious wizard.
The watchpost awaits...